Students say some universities lack suitable prayer facilities

The 500 delegates at the event organised by the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (Fosis) will also discuss discrimination at universities.

Fosis spokesman Azam Bakeer Markar said Muslims faced more suspicion on campus since the attacks of 11 September.

But he said the UK's 90,000 Muslim students would be encouraged to do more to show they "had nothing to hide".

"Muslim students are very active on campus and now there's always people questioning their various gatherings," Mr Markar said.

"In the climate of fear after 9/11 we consider it's best to engage more rather than withdraw into our shell."

'Shock'

Delegates at the three-day conference at Leicester University will be addressed by Muslim academics from around the world and attend a variety of workshops.

They will also hear from the wife of Babar Ahmad, who is facing extradition to the US on terror charges.

Fosis president Wakkas Khan said her presence reflected the students' concern at anti-terror measures taken by the government since September 11.

"Mrs Ahmad is going to be touching on the issues surrounding what happened with her husband and the implications for the Muslim community at large.

"It was quite a shock for the Muslim community when this happened because they saw Babar as just another Muslim, it could be any of us," Mr Khan said.

The US Department of State has claimed that websites run by Mr Ahmad, who is from Tooting, south London, urged Muslims to use "every means at their disposal" to train for jihad, or holy war.

Reconciliation

Other issues to be considered at the conference include the welfare of Muslim students on campus, such as difficulties accommodating dietary needs, a lack of prayer rooms and problems observing religious holidays.

Among the delegates at the conference will be National Union of Students president Kat Fletcher.

Her presence marks a reconciliation between the NUS and Fosis, which had accused the national student body of insensitivity on Muslim issues.

Ms Fletcher said the NUS valued good relations with student faith groups.

"We are really pleased that our relationship with Fosis has developed this year.